It was in the late 1940s. My father was the pastor of a small Armenian Brethren congregation in Detroit, Michigan, USA. As my father arose from his chair to start his sermon by the reading of Scripture, he opened his Bible and in Armenian said, "This is the Breath of God." This phrase made an enormous impact on me; it seemed as though the very breath of God were inspiring me as he read.

Further research into why my father would say what he did revealed that the Armenian theologians, who translated the Bible in the fourth century from early Greek and Syriac manuscripts, called the Bible "Astvatzashountz" which literally means "God's Breath". In 2 Timothy 3:16, it says, "All Scripture is God-breathed" (NIV). In 2 Peter 1:21 it says that the Bible writers "were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (NIV). The Hebrew word translated "spirit" means "breath" or "wind".

The evidence of God's breath, the Holy Spirit, permeates the Scriptures from the very beginning of the Bible.

Genesis 1:2 – Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (NIV)

After Jesus' resurrection, He appeared to His disciples. "He breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" (John 20:22 ESV)

When we receive Christ into our hearts, we receive the Holy Spirit. He lives as a permanent resident in our bodies.

1 Corinthians 3:16 – Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? (NIV)

To advance the Holy Spirit's power in our lives, we need to allow Him time to work in and through us by:

Reading His Word – All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV)

Praying in the Holy Spirit – But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit. (Jude 1:20 NLT)

Witnessing in His name – But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8 NIV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. We pray that Your Spirit will come upon us in a new and fresh way in our hearts and lives. Help us to take the time to listen to His voice. Support us with the Holy Spirit's power as we witness to others today. This we ask in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

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1 Comment

Wow, this was great! I was really blessed.
Thank you Parise for your words. Blessings to you and yours.
Thank you for that beautiful devotional. It encourages us to REALLY listen to God’s Word.
Thank you for this reflection, Parise.
(AB, CANADA)
Beautiful message. Wonderful sense of His presence through your words.
Thank you, Parise.
Dearest Parise!
Marvelous! AMEN!!!
Thank you for writing to us.
Parise
Wonderful work on your devotional today! The brevity of the piece gave a spark and impact which is lasting. Thanks for sharing all your beautiful experiences and thoughts!
I love, love, love this – the “breath of God.”
I am leading a women’s Bible Study at my church and last Thursday, we talked about Creation. I will share your devotional with my group.
Thank you so much!
Dear Parise l just want to tell you how much l enjoyed your Devotional today. Your father sounds like he was an amazing man and would have been a joy to talk to. Please continue with your writing as you guve me such pleasure reading it. Much love to you and your family.
(Northern Ireland)
Parise,
A fine exposition on the holy Spirit. Sometimes we forget it is the Holy Spirit who inspires us, and the Scriptures.
Keep up the good work – a workman that needeth not be ashamed.
Blessings.
Dear Parise,
What a beautiful devotional inspired by a precious memory of your dad’s ministry. Although I have read those Scriptures many times, you have tied them together so beautifully. I was struck by the association between God’s breath, His Spirit and His Word, all which are identified with His creative, life-giving power. No wonder the Scripture is described as “God-breathed;” it cannot return void but always produces life and growth wherever it is planted.
Good Morning Parise,
What a beautiful memory treasure you have of your father and the gift he gave you with the words he spoke into your life. Thank you for sharing this intimate and profound moment with us. Thanks also for directing us to the scripture that empowers those precious words your father spoke that day. The Bible is indeed the breath of God, as is all creation. You’ve reminded us of just how privileged we are to have God’s words at our fingertips. Your message carries with it a very reverent and intimate anointing. May God continue to bless you and use you. Enjoy this beautiful fall season. Blessings.
I passed this on to one of our workers who is Armenian so thought she’d be interested. Thanks for writing.
Dear Sister Parise,
Congratulations on a superb job! Very well written and highly inspiring. As I read your devotional, I was stirred to the innermost depth of my being. Continue using the special gifts that God has given you. You are definitely leading your readers to a richer spiritual experience and a closer walk with God.
Thank you, Parise, for sharing.
Dear Parise,
A beautiful devotional.
May God continue to guide and bless you in your writing and in all ways.
Hi Parise,
I like the God’s Breath. I know scripture is God Breathed but had never heard the Bible called that.
You do a great job on your devotionals.

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Verse for Today

Revelation 3:14, 20 – These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. … "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." (NIV)